Jim Edgar, Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Because prairie plants have massive roots, they help contribute to the richness of the soil. Each year the plants create more roots to absorb moisture underground. Every year some of the roots die off, adding to the organic material in the soil. As this organic material decomposes, it returns important nutrients back to the soil. Over thousands of years, a large amount of organic material has decomposed, creating extremely fertile soil in Illinois.